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As if pregnancy isn’t overwhelming enough, the choices first (and second and third…!) time moms and dads face is both exhilarating and a little daunting. Do babies really need their wipes warmed? What about all those rattles and other sensory toys? Those are all “nice to haves”—the bonuses you might be happy to get as a gift because you aren’t sure you really want to spend the money on it yourself. What are the baby gear essentials? What does a newborn really need apart from diapers, feeding gear and comfy clothing? We are here to give you the 7 top baby gear picks, in no particular order.

Crib This first one seems rather obvious but it’s obvious for a reason. Sure, you could probably have your child live in a drawer for a few weeks but eventually you’ll really want something safe, secure and flexible to grow with your child. We highly recommend convertible cribs. What is a convertible crib? It’s a bed that starts out as a crib, converts into a toddler bed with, and then without, safety rails and finally a twin size bed. Quite honestly, a convertible crib can last into your child’s early teens. Make sure you choose a neutral color that will grow with your child. Here’s one of our bestsellers: Storkcraft Valentia Convertible Crib. You’ll have to purchase the mattress separately but a crib mattress will last for about 4-5 years until your child grows into a twin size bed. Crib mattresses are usually in the $100-$150 range. We highly recommend you spend the extra $30-50 for a good quality mattress—those growing bones need good support.

Crib bedding Again, this one seems logical but it’s important to purchase bedding that is specifically manufactured for baby cribs. Fitted sheets are important because if it’s not tightly fitted around the edges, it could pose a strangling or choking hazard if the edges become loose. The sheets and blankets are also an important consideration due to size. The crib sized blankets and sheets are made to fit neatly into a crib. Even a twin sized blanket is too large for a baby’s crib and again, it could pose a hazard to your baby’s health. We highly recommend purchasing crib bedding manufactured specifically for crib dimensions.

Nursery furniture I kept reminding myself not to buy too many 0-3month outfits while I was pregnant. But they are absolutely irresistible, right? I’m here to remind you that all those 0-3month outfits are pretty useless. Go ahead, splurge on one or two for a photo shoot but no more than that. If your baby is a summer baby, he or she will be living in onesies. If your baby is born in the winter, he or she will be wearing sleepers all day and all night. Fall or spring? A variation of onesies and sleepers. But the inevitable will happen and you will buy/receive/inherit way too many outfits. No 6 month old needs 5 pairs of shoes! And so, a good quality furniture set is essential and it will last years (probably as long as the convertible crib). After all, you need a place to store all those cute outfits. The nursery furniture doesn’t have to match the crib, nor does it even have to be a completely brand new set. However, opting for a new set will ensure that your child has many, many years to enjoy his or her furniture. One of our most popular nursery furniture sets, from AFG International comes in three shades that are sure to please any nursery style.

Baby monitor This one is a very personal choice but as a mother of two, I promise you I could never have slept soundly without one. As a new mom, it’s hard not to stress out over every little peep your newborn makes. I was so exhausted I feared that I would mistakenly sleep through my baby’s hunger cues. A good baby monitorwill last you through several years and several kids. They are, relative to the amount of peace of mind they offer, very inexpensive. If you want to really treat yourself, and if you have the extra budget space, you could always go for the fancy video monitor. An audio monitor like this works well and it’s a solid investment.

Car seat Your child’s safety is most important and we recommend you buy new car seats for your children. Furthermore, we highly advise that you heed the expiration dates on your child’s car seats. In many states, you can’t leave the hospital without a child properly restrained in a car seat. If you own a vehicle, or if your child will be traveling with someone who drives, it’s imperative that your purchase a car seat. Safety 1st car seats are highly safety rated and offer a comfortable ride for your little one.

Stroller or carrier You can choose either or both but unless you plan on staying home for the next year, you’ll need to transport your child. The car seat is essential for travel within the car but the bucket seat is bulky when walking with it. You’ll need a solution that fits with your lifestyle. Some people swear by carriers and some can’t live without their stroller. The right choice is completely up to you. As a mom of two young children, I have a double stroller, a baby carrier and two baby hiking backpacks! If this is your first child and you plan on having more than one child, I highly recommend you purchase a double stroller to begin with. You’ll have extra storage space while you have one child and you’ll save yourself the expense of buying a second double stroller once you have the second child. Tandem strollers like this one are easy to steer and simple to get through doorways. The side by side strollers are meant to be small enough to glide through standard doorways but if you are a frequent mall walker/shopper, I recommend the tandem as it’s easier to get through aisles in department stores and through tighter corners.

Baby swing or vibrating chair You don’t absolutely need a baby swing or a vibrating chair. If you “wear” your baby, you won’t need one at all but if you’d like a break and the crib isn’t doing it for your child, the soothing vibrations and calm music of a swing or bouncy chair are sure to quiet the screams. The swing/chair was a lifesaver for my colicky child. We certainly don’t recommend that you allow your child to sleep in the swing or chair through the night but the occasional nap for baby (and hopefully you!) is certainly worth the price of those contraptions. Make sure that the fabric is removable and machine washable! These cutes swings are portable and compact:

Most importantly: enjoy this time of discovery. You are, or will be, a fabulous parent!

A baby monitor is a great way to keep you connected with your child while you`re busy in another part of your home. Various types of monitors exist, allowing you to choose a model that best fits your lifestyle. Below we have explained the different types available today and what makes each one useful and unique.

Audio Monitors: Analog and Digital

Audio monitors are inexpensive units that transmit sounds from the transmitter in your baby’s nursery to the receiver that you keep clipped onto your belt or placed nearby. Audio baby monitors come in both analog and digital models.

Analog monitors are the least expensive models but still have the reception range needed to allow you to be anywhere in your home or even on your porch or in your yard while your baby is sleeping. Some models come with multiple receivers, some with multiple transmitters and some with both. However, if you have a house full of electronics, you`ll probably have difficulty finding an analog monitor that doesn`t receive interference from cordless phones, wireless networks and cell phones.

Digital monitors cost a little more than analog models, but they offer less interference, clearer sound and a greater reception range. These monitors range from very simple units to very complex models with numerous receivers, indicator lights and various frequency settings. Video Monitors

Video monitors combine the functionality of audio monitors with video feedback. You place a small camera unit by your baby`s crib and the camera transmits video images to the receiver. Many video monitors even come with multiple receivers. Always check the image quality, sound quality and the reception range before purchasing.

Movement Sensor Monitors

Movement sensor monitors come with a motion-sensing pad that you slip underneath your baby`s mattress. These sensors detect your baby`s slightest movements, including breathing patterns. If your baby stays completely still for a pre-set amount of time, usually about 20 seconds, an alarm sounds on the parent unit, alerting you to check on your baby. These monitors are commonly used by parents who have infants with health problems.

Choosing a Baby Monitor

Keep your needs in mind when purchasing a new baby monitor. If you have a small house or will only ever be a few rooms away, any type of monitor will probably suffice. If you live in a large or multi-story home, look for a monitor with multiple receivers and a long reception range.

Know yourself and the amount of monitoring you can handle. If you need to actually view your baby all of the time, purchase a video monitor. If you`re the kind to waste time becoming hyper-vigilant with constant video feeds, buy an audio monitor instead. Keep in mind that having a baby monitor is supposed to make your life easier and not add even more stress to your life.

At Simple Baby Necessities, you can find many different types of baby monitors. For example you will find we sell the Safety 1st Crystal Clear model which offers an excellent 600-foot range, two channel selections and runs on a 49 MHz frequency. The Crystal Clear is ranked as a "Top Pick" and "Best Value" by respected review sites. We also offer the Safety 1st Comfort Zone digital monitor, which includes two parent receivers that display the temperature in the nursery. This model has a 900-foot range and 24 channels, and it alerts you if the temperature rises or falls outside of the pre-set range. Low prices are guaranteed from Simple Baby Necessities Zero Sales tax, and Shipping is Free for orders $75 and up!

Shop around to find the monitor that best meets your needs. If you still have questions or need further advice, give us a call, send an email or use our live chat. We are here to help!

Simple Baby Necessities also sponsors high quality personalized blankets that are perfect for your baby or child.

All About Baby Monitors

A baby monitor is a great way to keep you connected with your child while you`re busy in another part of your home. Various types of monitors exist, allowing you to choose a model that best fits your lifestyle. Below we have explained the different types available today and what makes each one useful and unique.

Audio Monitors: Analog and Digital

Audio monitors are inexpensive units that transmit sounds from the transmitter in your baby’s nursery to the receiver that you keep clipped onto your belt or placed nearby. Audio baby monitors come in both analog and digital models.

Analog monitors are the least expensive models but still have the reception range needed to allow you to be anywhere in your home or even on your porch or in your yard while your baby is sleeping. Some models come with multiple receivers, some with multiple transmitters and some with both. However, if you have a house full of electronics, you`ll probably have difficulty finding an analog monitor that doesn`t receive interference from cordless phones, wireless networks and cell phones.

Digital monitors cost a little more than analog models, but they offer less interference, clearer sound and a greater reception range. These monitors range from very simple units to very complex models with numerous receivers, indicator lights and various frequency settings. Video Monitors

Video monitors combine the functionality of audio monitors with video feedback. You place a small camera unit by your baby`s crib and the camera transmits video images to the receiver. Many video monitors even come with multiple receivers. Always check the image quality, sound quality and the reception range before purchasing.

Movement Sensor Monitors

Movement sensor monitors come with a motion-sensing pad that you slip underneath your baby`s mattress. These sensors detect your baby`s slightest movements, including breathing patterns. If your baby stays completely still for a pre-set amount of time, usually about 20 seconds, an alarm sounds on the parent unit, alerting you to check on your baby. These monitors are commonly used by parents who have infants with health problems.

Choosing a Baby Monitor

Keep your needs in mind when purchasing a new baby monitor. If you have a small house or will only ever be a few rooms away, any type of monitor will probably suffice. If you live in a large or multi-story home, look for a monitor with multiple receivers and a long reception range.

Know yourself and the amount of monitoring you can handle. If you need to actually view your baby all of the time, purchase a video monitor. If you`re the kind to waste time becoming hyper-vigilant with constant video feeds, buy an audio monitor instead. Keep in mind that having a baby monitor is supposed to make your life easier and not add even more stress to your life.

At Simple Baby Necessities, you can find many different types of baby monitors. For example you will find we sell the Safety 1st Crystal Clear model which offers an excellent 600-foot range, two channel selections and runs on a 49 MHz frequency. The Crystal Clear is ranked as a "Top Pick" and "Best Value" by respected review sites. We also offer the Safety 1st Comfort Zone digital monitor, which includes two parent receivers that display the temperature in the nursery. This model has a 900-foot range and 24 channels, and it alerts you if the temperature rises or falls outside of the pre-set range. Low prices are guaranteed from Simple Baby Necessities Zero Sales tax, and Shipping is Free for orders $75 and up!

Shop around to find the monitor that best meets your needs. If you still have questions or need further advice, give us a call, send an email or use our live chat. We are here to help!